VA Benefits Information

GI Bill Benefits & OJT/Apprenticeship Programs

Did you know that it is possible to use GI Bill benefits for Apprenticeship Training and On-The-Job Training (OJT)? It is possible to receive a monthly educational benefit check from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for training in an approved Apprenticeship or OJT program.

What is Apprenticeship Training?

Apprenticeship Training is supervised on-the-job training coupled with related technical instruction (usually 144 hours per year). Apprenticeships are normally from one to five years in length. In Wisconsin, all apprenticeships must be registered with the Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. Examples include: Electrician, Ironworker, Carpenter, Plumber, Fire Fighter, Corrections Officer, and Tool and Die Maker.

There are time limits involved and approval of a program may be back-dated for up to one year for benefit purposes. As a general rule, veterans have 10 years after their separation from service to use their GI Bill Benefit. Chapter 34 GI Bill (Vietnam Era) ended on December 31, 1989; however, some Chapter 34 veterans are eligible for benefits under Chapter 30.  Chapter 33 veterans normally have 15 years after separation to use their benefit.

What is On-The-Job Training (OJT)?

OJT is training received while actually performing a job and earning wages. OJT programs must be at least six months up to normally not more than two years in length to qualify. An OJT program differs from an apprenticeship program in that there is not a related technical instruction portion to an OJT program.

How to Begin

What is the Amount of a Monthly Benefit Check?

Chapter30

Applies to those entering active duty after July 1, 1985, and to those who contributed to the Montgomery GI Bill.

EFFECTIVE October 1, 2011:  For veterans whose period of active duty was three years or more, the monthly allowance will be:

Or, for veterans whose initial period of active duty was less than three years:

Participation in specific programs may create eligibility for additional amounts or “kickers”.

Chapter 32

Applies to veterans who entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985, and contributed toward the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP). The rate payable is based upon contributions. Contact the VA Regional Office for information on a specific allowance.

Chapter 1606

Applies to members of the National Guard or Reserves with a six year period of obligation after October 1, 1990. Veterans should contact their unit for eligibility.

EFFECTIVE October 1, 2011, the monthly allowance will be:

Must remain in active NG/Reserve status to draw benefits.

Chapter 1607

Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP). Applies to members of the National Guard or Reserves with continuous deployment days since 9/11/01 as follows: Effective October 1, 2011:  90 to 364=$441.90per month; 365 to 729=$662.85 per month; 730+ days=$883.80 per month. Special circumstances (e.g.: temporary disability) may impact REAP benefits. Benefits decrease after 1st and 2nd 6-month periods.  Must remain an active NG/Reserve status to draw benefits. Please contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-442-4551 with any specific questions.

Chapter 34

Applies to veterans who entered active duty between February 1, 1955 and December 31, 1976. You may be eligible to receive benefits under Chapter 30.

EFFECTIVE October 1, 2011, the monthly allowance will be:

NOTE: Increased monthly rate for covered dependents

Chapter 35

Applies to a child or spouse of a service-connected deceased or 100 percent permanently disable veteran.

EFFECTIVE October 1, 2011, the monthly allowance will be:

Chapter 33

Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill) applies to those who served on active duty after September 10, 2001.  A service member must have served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty.  However, individuals honorably discharged for a service-connected disability who served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001 may also establish eligibility.  Effective October 1, 2011 the monthly allowance will be Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents for the zip code of the sponsoring employer or committee.  This amount starts at 100% and then is reduced by 20% every 6 months until it reaches 20%.  The benefit remains at 20% for the remainder of the training.  There is also a benefit of up to $83 per month for books and supplies.  This benefit for apprentices or OJT programs will only pay benefits after October 1, 2011, when the law takes effect.